Multiple schools in the Vanceboro area are closed on Thursday while authorities search for Dominic Liam Connelly, the murder suspect who is accused of stabbing a deputy on Wednesday night.
Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary, West Craven Middle, and West Craven High School are closed for the safety of all students and staff.
Connelly is still at large after stabbing a deputy at a Bojangles in Vanceboro.
Authorities from Craven County and surrounding areas have been searching the woods throughout the day.
K9s and drones have been deployed in the area as part of the search effort.
Area schools closed as authorities search for murder suspect
Area schools closed as authorities search for murder suspect
Craven County Crime Stoppers released the following:
“Connelly was last seen wearing all dark clothing, running towards the Bailey Lane apartments located behind the Vanceboro Bojangles
He is considered armed and dangerous. If you see Dominic Connelly, DO NOT APPROACH him. Call 911 immediately. Anyone found assisting Connelly in avoiding arrest will face criminal charges. If you have any information on this case, please contact the Craven County Sheriff’s Office at (252) 636-6620 or submit an anonymous tip through the Craven County Crime Stoppers app at p3tips.com/986. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to his arrest.”
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Area schools closed as authorities search for murder suspectVO MANHUNT CRAVEN-HD_1280x720p
Deputies responded on Wednesday evening to the Vanceboro Bojangles after receiving a call that Dominic Connelly, who is wanted in connection with the murder of his grandmother, Patricia Lopedote, was spotted in the Bojangles. Sheriff Chip Hughes says a deputy arrived on scene and was stabbed during an altercation with the suspect, who then ran on foot. The deputy was treated and released from the hospital.
Several law enforcement agencies responded to the area, including the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, New Bern Police Department, and Vanceboro Police Department. SWAT was also on the scene.
CCSO says that Connelly has additional warrants issued against him for attempted first-degree murder, felony assault on law enforcement causing serious injury, and resisting a public officer on top of charges of murder, first-degree arson, and larceny of a motor vehicle.
Connelly is wearing all black and is considered to be armed and dangerous. He was last seen running towards Bailey Lane apartments located behind Bojangles, according to the Craven County Sheriff’s Office.
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If anyone sees Connelly, do not approach and immediately call 911.
We will update this story as we receive more information.
